Govt Pathologist Johansen Oduor Issues Update on Endarasha Tragedy as Death Toll Rises
Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor on Saturday announced plans to commence autopsies on the bodies of victims retrieved from the scene of the Hillside Endarasha Fire Tragedy.
Oduor while addressing the press in Nyeri County, revealed the exercise of retrieving the bodies from the scene was complete and the process of conducting postmortems would begin on Tuesday, September 10.
According to the pathologist, the bodies of the deceased were extensively burnt making it difficult to recognise the identities of the pupils killed in the inferno.
“Today we have concluded the process of recovery of the bodies of those who were involved in this fire incident, we have managed to recover 19 bodies which we have placed in body bags,” Oduor narrated.
“They are to be taken to Naromoru Hospital so that we can begin the postmortem process. Looking at the bodies, they were severely burnt, which means that it is very difficult to identify that this is the exact person.”
Speaking at the same press conference, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura disclosed that the death toll from the tragedy had risen to 21 after three more pupils succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment.
Mwaura revealed that out of the 156 pupils who were residing in the dormitory that was razed by the fire, 139 pupils had already been accounted for.
The government spokesperson further noted that the investigations into the incident were still ongoing and that more updates would be provided in the due course.
“On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones,” Mwaura commented.
“It is truly devastating for the nation to lose such many young and promising Kenyans.”
Following the announcement, Mwaura directed locals residing near the school who may have rescued and sheltered pupils to bring them back to the designated search area.
“All relevant agencies are working round the clock to locate them and ensure their safety and will provide updates as more information becomes available,” the government spokesperson noted.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura during a press briefing on July 18, 2024.
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Isaac Mwaura
